Before we get to the different kinds of cancers associated with smoking, it would be best to quote some important statistics that should get your attention-
- According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), there are more than 500,000 deaths associated with cigarette smoking in the United States every year.
- 9 Out of 10 Individuals who die from Lung Cancer die because of a long history of smoking cigarettes.
- The risk of dying from smoking cigarettes has increased by over 20 times in the USA in the last 50 years.
- Smoking a cigarette increases the risk of Heart Attacks and Cardiac Failures by as much as 4 times.
- The risk of contracting Diabetes is 40% more in individuals who are Active Smokers than in individuals who do not smoke.
As you can see from the above CDC data, smoking is something that has been scientifically proven to be injurious to one’s health. What many people do not know is that apart from lung cancer, smoking causes as many as 16 different types of cancers in men and women.
Smoking a Cigarette: Some Important Things you need to know
Scientists have found that taking one puff of cigarette results in the ingestion of 7000 different types of chemicals. Of these, nearly 70 (69 to be precise) are dangerous Carcinogens. If you do not know what a carcinogen is, then you should be aware that it is a substance that helps in the production of cancerous cells inside the human body.
The process by which these cells are formed is known as ‘Carcinogenesis.’ Many experts say that the human body always seeks to repair itself internally. This means that the harmful effects of the cigarette can be dealt with by the body.
Extensive studies have shown that the human body starts the repair process of the damage caused by the cigarette after six hours of smoking the last cigarette.
Many people point out that they smoke because it helps them relieve stress, tensions, and anxiety. There is no direct scientific evidence that suggests this. It is more of the brain thinking and fooling your body to feel that this happens.
List of the Different Cancers that are Caused by Smoking
The following are some of the Major Types of Cancers that can happen if you are Smoking Cigarettes actively-
- Lung Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Rectum Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Mouth, Throat, and Nose Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Blood Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
As you can see from the list above, smoking cigarettes can cause cancerous cells to form in almost every part of the body. It affects everything from the upper part of the body to your abdomen areas and even your bloodstreams. Cancer cells are very aggressive and do not take a lot of time to spread and destroy other organs of the body.
Other Health Risks of Smoking Cigarettes According to Medical Experts
Studies have shown that it is not only cancer that is a direct outcome of smoking cigarettes. Other illnesses and diseases like heart attacks, sugar, and diabetes, as well as miscarriages during pregnancy, are also related to smoking.
Smoking is not only dangerous for you but your immediate family members as well. The dangerous health effects of passive smoking have also been very well documented in medical journals and by scientists.
A small child that has grown up in an environment of passive smoking is more likely to develop respiratory illnesses and problems than a child who has not. Likewise, studies have shown that passive smokers tend to suffer from a higher level of heart-related ailments, as well as throat and breast cancers.
The Bottom Line
If you are someone who is reading this article, you need to understand the harsh reality of smoking cigarettes. As a dangerous activity, it not only affects you but your family members as well. Giving up smoking can be the best decision you would ever take in your life. Stopping smoking can help in reducing the risks of cancer in your life. If you need any help or support in understanding how to kick the stub, you can contact experts at Miskawaan Health.